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Are you interested in turning your property into a source of income or managing multiple listings for others? Starting an Airbnb business in Australia can be an exciting and profitable venture — if you do it right. This guide will walk you through how to start Airbnb business operations from scratch, even if you have no previous hosting experience.
Whether you’re a property owner or someone looking to manage short-term rentals for clients, follow these 10 essential steps to build a thriving Airbnb business.
1. Understand the Airbnb Model in Australia
Before jumping in, it’s vital to understand how Airbnb works in Australia. The platform connects travellers with hosts offering short-term stays in homes, apartments, or even unique spaces like cabins or tiny homes. In Australia, Airbnb is popular with both tourists and business travellers, creating high demand.
However, each state and territory may have its own regulations. Research local laws around short-term rentals, insurance, and council requirements before starting your Airbnb business.
2. Check Licensing and Legal Requirements
One of the first things to sort out is your legal and compliance setup. In some areas, you’ll need a permit or registration to operate legally. For example:
- NSW requires properties to be registered with the NSW Government Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register.
- Victoria and Queensland have planning and strata rules.
- In Western Australia, you may need council approval to host.
You should also register your business with the Australian Business Register and apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number). Understanding these rules is key when learning how to start Airbnb business legally and properly.
3. Choose Your Airbnb Business Model
There are a few ways to structure your Airbnb business:
- Property Owner/Host: You list your own property.
- Co-hosting: You manage someone else’s property for a fee.
- Full-service Management: You handle everything from listing to cleaning for multiple clients.
Decide whether you want to manage your own listing or offer services to others. Many successful businesses start by managing their own property, learning the system, and then expanding.
4. Do Market Research
- Occupancy rates
- Nightly prices
- Types of guests (tourists, families, business travellers)
- Popular features (e.g., pool, pet-friendly, Wi-Fi)
This will help you make smarter decisions on pricing, amenities, and marketing strategies. Understanding the competition will also give you a realistic picture of income potential.
5. Set Up the Property for Guests
The guest experience starts with the space you offer. A successful Airbnb management business provides a clean, well-furnished, and welcoming environment. Here’s what you need:
- Comfortable furniture and beds
- A fully equipped kitchen
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Smart TV or streaming services
- Hotel-quality linens and towels
- Essentials like toiletries and coffee
Consider hiring a professional cleaner or even a stylist to improve your listing’s appeal. High-quality photos make a big difference when it comes to bookings.
6. Create a Compelling Listing
Your Airbnb listing is your storefront. Use attention-grabbing headlines, clear descriptions, and professional photos. Include:
- Key amenities
- Unique features (e.g., city view, near the beach)
- House rules
- Location highlights
- Check-in and check-out process
Use your keywords naturally in the listing. For example: “Our Airbnb management business ensures high standards of cleanliness and guest service.”
7. Automate and Systemise Your Operations
Running an Airbnb can be time-consuming. To grow your Airbnb management business, you’ll need systems in place:
- Channel managers (like Guesty, Hostaway) to manage multiple listings
- Automated messaging for guest communication
- Dynamic pricing tools (like PriceLabs or Beyond) to optimise revenue
- Smart locks or keyless entry systems for easy access
- Cleaning schedules and checklists
Automation helps you scale efficiently without burning out.
8. Deliver Excellent Guest Experiences
Success in the Airbnb management business comes from guest satisfaction. Positive reviews lead to more bookings and higher ranking on Airbnb.
Here’s how to ensure a five-star experience:
- Provide a detailed welcome guide
- Offer local recommendations
- Respond to messages promptly
- Address issues quickly
- Surprise guests with little extras (snacks, wine, or handwritten notes)
Remember, Airbnb rewards hosts with Superhost status for consistently great reviews — which builds trust and boosts your visibility.
9. Set Up Business Finances and Tax Obligations
As your business grows, it’s important to keep your finances in order:
- Open a business bank account
- Use accounting software to track income and expenses
- Keep receipts for cleaning, supplies, utilities, and repairs
- Understand your tax obligations (Airbnb income is taxable in Australia)
You may be eligible for GST registration if your income exceeds $75,000 annually. Consult an accountant familiar with short-term rentals.
10. Grow Your Airbnb Management Business
Once your first listing is running smoothly, consider expanding:
- Add more listings (your own or for clients)
- Offer premium services like airport pickup, property styling, or 24/7 support
- Build a brand and create a website for direct bookings
- Partner with property investors or landlords
- Use social media and SEO to attract new clients
You can even hire virtual assistants or contractors to help with cleaning, guest support, or marketing. Many people learning how to start Airbnb business find scaling easier when they outsource.
Bonus Tips to Maximise Success
- Stay updated with Airbnb policy changes and local laws.
- Join local Facebook groups or Airbnb host forums to network.
- Review your listing performance monthly and adjust pricing or photos if needed.
- Collect guest feedback to keep improving.
Final Thoughts
Starting an Airbnb management business in Australia can be a rewarding journey — especially if you have a passion for hospitality, real estate, and creating memorable guest experiences. With the right setup, systems, and mindset, it’s absolutely possible to generate steady income and even turn this into a full-time career.
But let’s be real — while the steps are clear, the process can feel overwhelming. From learning the platform, setting up properties, creating listings, and keeping up with local regulations, to handling 24/7 guest messages, late-night calls, and last-minute emergencies — it demands a serious time commitment and attention to detail.
The real question becomes: How much time can you consistently dedicate to this? Are you ready to be on call every day, responding to inquiries, solving issues, and ensuring smooth check-ins and check-outs?
If you’re eager to launch your business but aren’t quite sure how to start — or if you want the income without the daily grind — working with a property management partner like DiscoverBnB could be the perfect solution.
At DiscoverBnB, we help property owners set up their holiday rentals from A to Z. From styling your property and creating high-converting listings, to managing bookings, guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance — we handle everything for you. You’ll still own your property and see your earnings, but you won’t have to do any of the hard work. We do it for you.
Whether you’re just exploring how to start an Airbnb business or ready to scale your existing listings, our team can help you succeed faster — with less stress and more support. Send us a message now and get a free property assessment.
